“I would say to let off pyrotechnics in that building you were asking for trouble,” said Donald Carcieri, then governor of Rhode Island. He added, “If there’s criminal wrongdoing, believe me, it will be pursued.”

Robert E. Klein/Associated Press/File
| February 17, 2013

A bar chair and other debris sat among the ruins. The fire was the deadliest nightclub fire in US history since 1977.

John Tlumacki/Globe Staff/ File
| February 17, 2013

Steven Ayer of West Warwick searched for his daughter Tina Ayer, who was at the nightclub and unaccounted for. Her father said “I just won't accept it” as he left the scene.

Bill Greene/Globe Staff/ File
| February 17, 2013

Steven Ayer held photos of his daughter, Tina, the day after the fire. She was later identified as one of the 100 killed.

| February 17, 2013

When a body was discovered, firefighters removed their helmets and paused for a moment of silence. Fire chaplains said prayers over the remains.

Bill Greene/Globe Staff/ File
| February 17, 2013

Rhode Island Superior Court Administrator Joe Conley stood in front of the charred remains of the reassembled stage and drummer's alcove used to house evidence retrieved from the nightclub.

Mary Murphy/Associated Press/ File
| February 17, 2013

An unidentified firefighter wearing a Coventry, R.I., jacket paused before entering a makeshift Red Cross station to rest.

| February 17, 2013

Five firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation; more suffered psychological distress.

Rhode Island Attorney General
| February 17, 2013

“I’ve never been prouder to be the chief,” said Charles Hall, then chief of the West Warwick Fire Department. “It takes its toll; it’s very stressful.”

David L. Ryan/Globe Staff/ File
| February 17, 2013

Firefighters declined to talk to reporters but could be seen wiping tears from their eyes and sweat from their brows.

| February 17, 2013

Colleen Sweeny of West Warwick brought flowers to The Station. She was a member of OS Singles, a group that often held meetings at the club.

Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff/ File
| February 17, 2013

A Rhode Island state trooper removed the letters of the band, Great White. Changes since the fire include requiring sprinklers for nightclubs and bars with occupancy limits of 100 or more and banning pyrotechnics in all but the largest public venues.